I spoke to marriage and family therapy counselor Moushumi Ghose as well as a Olivia Senecal, my dear friend who has been in a committed polyamorous relationship for the last five years. The two helped me come up with five questions anyone should ask themselves to determine whether or not they should try polyamory. Could it be for you? Read on.

Ghose says that "there are all kinds and combinations of polyamorous relationships," and "many labels for such things," so she herself prefers "to not use the labels, as sexuality and relationships are best when seen as fluid, and ever-changing." This is one of the appealing things about polyamorous relationships for many people (including myself); they're less rigid in guidelines and expectations than monogamous ones can often be.

Senecal says that it’s incredibly important to figure out, beforehand, what your ideal relationship would be. "How will casual dating be managed? Sexual safety? What happens when you fall in love and want to have more than one committed partner?" These details may change and evolve as time goes on, but it's necessary to have at least some specifications and ideas on what you want.

2. What is your motivation for wanting this?

If you are searching for a lifestyle that works for you, and your ideal happens to involve more than one partner in a relationship, then that's great. However, simply trying to seek out a bandage for couple issues is not likely to be the right reason for going into a polyamorous lifestyle. "If you're trying to fix a 'broken' relationship by adding more people," says Senecal, "that's probably not a good reason — and from my experience, often doesn't end well."

According to Ghose, people who have "struggled in traditional monogamous relationships might be more apt to find polyamory appealing." If it's more of a personal preference, rather than simply you and/or your partner trying to improve things via a new person, then it's more likely you'll actually enjoy polyamory rather than just feeling obligated to adapt to it.

3. Do you get jealous?

Look, jealousy is normal. When you have feelings for somebody, it can be difficult not to get a little stressed out when he or she is flirting with another person. However, if you can't look past jealousy and be comfortable with it, then polyamory probably isn't for you. This isn't to say that polyamorous people are somehow immune to jealousy, "But when jealously does occur, it's discussed," according to Bjarne Holmes, a psychologist at Champlain College, in this Live Science article. "The person feeling jealous is encouraged to examine their own psyche to find out what's bothering them and which of their needs aren't being met. Then the pair (or triad, or quad) can negotiate boundaries."

4. Are you possessive?

Being possessive is never really a positive thing — unless both parties are consensual about it, such as in a BDSM relationship — but in a polyamorous relationship, it can be especially stressful. If you've caught yourself getting more than jealous, but downright angry when your significant other flirts with someone else, than polyamory might not be a good fit.

5. Are you willing to be completely honest?

In monogamous couples, there is (ideally) nothing to lie about because (again, ideally) each partner behaves in a way that they feel respects the other partner's wishes, often including not kissing or having sexual relationships with other people. In polyamorous relationships, the introduction of another person is sometimes a bit rocky at first, and must involve total honesty and communication between all parties involved. If you feel you can’t be 100% truthful with all your partners — or that you might feel guilty or uncomfortable — then that's a warning sign.

If, however, you feel you're genuinely, personally interested in a polyamorous lifestyle and feel you can be honest, communicative and respectful, then it may be a great choice for you and your love life.

2. Hugh Hefner + His Girlfriends: Hef will never truly settle down, no matter what his station or status. Remember, Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson have careers because of their three-way open relationship with Hef and Bridget Marquardt.

3. Rachael Ray + John Cusimano: The cooking queen and her musician hubby have denied the open-ness of their marriage, saying it's insulting to their families. But he was reportedly a patron at Checkmate, a swinger's club.

4. Paula Patton + Robin Thicke: The "Blurred Lines" singer was asked about the nature of his relationshp during a Howard Stern show interview, but chose not to answer out of respect for his actress wife. Then, the marriage eventually imploded and he groveled to "get her back." It didn't work.

5. Megan Fox + Brian Austin Green: This sounds like an odd set up if it were indeed true. Word is that Green was not allowed to see anyone else, but Fox had permission to date other dudes. We cannot help but wonder if that arrangement has changed since they had two sons and since her career has cooled.

6. Tilda Swinton + John Byrne: The unmarried duo has twins, but she has said that they both enjoy the company of others while remaining close. "It may seem odd but it is certainly the best thing for the children," the actress said. "It's not something I try to promote as a radical lifestyle choice. But it's a situation I find very healthy. I can maintain my life with my children and their father and spend time with the man I've become very fond of. I am very fortunate there has been a lot of understanding by the men." Progressive, indeed.

8. Will Smith + Jada Pinkett Smith: These long-married parents of two have spoken about the concept of love not being akin to ownership and there have been rumors that each may have strayed with others ... but that's only if you look at it as straying.

9. Dolly Parton + Carl Dean: The voluptuous country singer has been married to her hubby since 1966. She has spoken about not wanting to know if any cheating is happening and has said if they do cheat and don't know about it, that's probably why their marriage works. Interesting theory.... sort of.

10. Mo'Nique + Sidney Hicks: The Oscar-winning actress and her husband are BFFs and have known each other 25 years. Mo'Nique has said she would not end the marriage if he cheated and she also said that while they have an open relationship, she does not practice the open door policy. We are left to believe that perhaps it is he that does.